Hewitson pops Champagne
Use Nice Chap to try catch the BiPot at Flamingo Park today
Lyle Hewitson got within three wins of equalling Gavin Lerena’s all-time record of riding 284 winners as an apprentice jockey on Saturday when steering Champagne Haze to an impressive 1.70-length victory in the Tommy Hotspur Handicap (Grade 3) over 1000m at Turffontein.
The late scratching of Rivarine and tote favourite Mujallad who got injured while being loading onto the float in the morning made the race wide open and was reflected on the betting boards – TAB offered 11-2 and better the field!
This was an emotional victory for Champagne Haze’s trainer Gary Alexander.
He trained the legendary Tommy Hotspur after who the R250 000 race is named.
Champagne Haze found himself trailing the 15-horse field at the halfway mark, completely outpaced by the leaders.
The evergreen seven-year-old Greasepaint burst into the lead with 200m left to go and looked to have the race sealed in the bag.
However, Hewitson had other ideas – producing Champagne Haze between runners on the outside to win going away.
Greasepaint stayed on for second with Pure Blonde a further 0.20 lengths in third. Tandava easily outran Sporting Monarch for fourth place.
Although it is inevitable that Hewitson will break Lerena’s record, he is now serving a seven-day suspension.
Racing is at Flamingo Park today and the BiPot appears the way to go.
If you’re looking for a banker, there is none better than Nice Chap in Race 4, a Maiden Plate over 1400m.
For Quartets float him and Tokimonsta with Chestnut Troop, Dancing Dude, Victorious Rochele and Land Of The Gods.